CHILDREN at Rydon Primary School were delighted to see their headteacher ironing shirts during his lunch break.

Mr Banwell was acting on his silent auction promise from the school’s summer fair.

He said: ‘I promised two hours of ironing to the highest bidder. I’ve had one basket delivered and another is on its way. There were lots of shirts, pyjamas and trousers in the first one, so I’ve worked hard here.

‘The children were really interested in what I was doing. It’s not what they expect to see in the school. Many helped by passing me the garments and folding them up.’

Mr Banwell said he irons at home every week, including shirts, so it wasn’t too much of a struggle.

Mum and dad of Phoebe Davis, from reception class, placed the winning bid of £24 for two hours of his services.

The summer fair last week was deemed a great success, taking more than £5,000 on the day. All profits will go towards projects at the school, including the outdoor areas.

Mr Banwell added: ‘It was a very successful fair, and loads of work went into it.

‘We had face-painting, Aidos rock band from Teign School, the school choir, birds of prey, Abbrook Farm and lots more.

‘Sadly it was the last big event for two parents who’ve been helping for many years – the parent association chairman Kirstie Breslan and secretary Sarah Strickland. They will be sorely missed.’